.webp)
.jpg)
Moving out can sneak up on you. One minute you've got weeks left, the next you're trying to work out how you managed to accumulate quite so much stuff. Giving yourself a bit of time to get organised can make moving day much easier – and help avoid unexpected bills or problems once you've left.
Here's your final moving-out checklist.
1. Check when and how you need to leave
Before you start packing, check your tenancy or accommodation agreement. Make sure you know:
- when you need to move out
- what time you need to leave by, if one is given
- where and how to return your keys
- whether you need to attend a check-out inspection
- what you're responsible for cleaning
- whether you're responsible for a garden or other outside space
- what you need to do about bills
If you're in a shared house, it's worth talking through the plan together too. Don't assume someone else is sorting the cleaning, bins or final bills.
2. Start packing before the last day
Packing always seems to take longer than expected. If you can, start with the things you don't use every day and work through your room bit by bit.
Leave yourself enough time after packing to properly clean the property too. Trying to clean around boxes and belongings isn't much fun.
3. Decide what you're keeping, donating or getting rid of
Moving is a good opportunity to work out what you actually want to take with you. Rather than putting usable things in the bin, you could sell, donate or pass them on.
- Donate unopened, in-date food and reusable household items around campus and University accommodation during the moving-out period.
- Check the University's Gift It, Reuse It information for current collection and donation options.
- If you're donating to a charity shop (like British Heart Foundation, Hospiscare and In Focus), check what they'll accept before taking everything over on their website.
4. Sort out anything you need to store
If you're leaving Exeter temporarily but don't want to take everything with you, you might want to arrange storage. There are several storage companies operating in Exeter, including options aimed at students.
Before booking, compare:
- the total price
- how long you can store your things
- collection and delivery costs
- insurance
- what you're allowed to store
- how and when you'll get your belongings back
The Guild and University don't endorse individual commercial storage providers, so have a look at the terms and reviews before choosing one. Here are some popular ones:
5. Clear your rubbish
Don't leave unwanted belongings or bags of rubbish behind for your landlord, agent or the next tenants to deal with. Start getting rid of things early rather than trying to fit everything into your bin the night before you leave. The University's Students on the Move scheme provides additional support with waste and recycling around the main student moving period.
Remember to check:
- bedrooms
- kitchen cupboards
- fridge and freezer
- bathroom
- garden or yard
- sheds or storage areas
- recycling
- bins
And don't forget the mysterious collection of half-used sauces everyone has been avoiding in the fridge.
6. Give the property a good clean
You don't automatically have to pay for a professional cleaner. What matters is that you leave the property in the condition you're required to under your agreement, allowing for fair wear and tear. That could mean cleaning:
- floors and carpets
- kitchen surfaces and cupboards
- oven and hob
- fridge and freezer
- bathroom
- windows where you're responsible for them
- furniture
- bins
- shared spaces
If you're sharing, agree who is doing what. A quick group chat about the cleaning plan is much easier than discovering on moving day that everyone thought someone else was cleaning the oven.
You can choose to pay for a cleaner if that's easier for you, but your landlord or agent can't simply require you to make a separate payment for professional cleaning.
7. Check the inventory and look for anything missing or damaged
If you were given an inventory or condition report when you moved in, use it to check the property before you leave. Make sure any furniture or other items that came with the property are still there.
If something has been damaged, don't automatically rush out and replace it without speaking to your landlord or agent. The age, condition and value of an item can matter, and replacing it yourself with the wrong thing may not solve the problem. Remember that fair wear and tear is different from damage.
If you're worried that your landlord might want to make a deduction from your deposit, read our separate deposit return guide. That covers fair wear and tear, deductions, evidence and what to do if you disagree with a claim.
8. Don't forget gardens and outside spaces
If your agreement says you're responsible for a garden, yard, balcony or other outside space, include it in your moving-out plan. Remove your belongings and rubbish and check what your agreement says you're expected to do.
You're not expected to leave something in a better condition than you received it, so your original photos and inventory can be useful here too.
9. Take photos and videos before you leave
Once everything is out and you've finished cleaning, take clear photos or videos of the property. Include:
- each room
- floors and walls
- furniture
- kitchen appliances
- bathroom
- inside cupboards where useful
- garden or outside spaces
- anything you're particularly concerned about
Try to do this after you've removed your belongings and finished cleaning, so you've got a record of the condition you actually left the property in. Keep the photos somewhere safe along with your inventory and important emails. They could be useful later if there's a disagreement about the condition of the property.
10. Take your final meter readings
If you're responsible for the energy or water bills, take meter readings on the day you move out. Take a clear photo of each meter showing the reading and keep a record of the date. Contact your suppliers and tell them:
- you've moved out
- the date you left
- your final meter readings
- where they should send your final bill
Citizens Advice recommends telling your gas and electricity supplier you're moving at least 48 hours before you leave, then providing your final readings on moving day. Read Citizens Advice guidance on moving home and your energy supply.
If you've already left without taking a meter reading, contact the supplier as soon as you can and tell them the date you moved out. Explain that you weren't able to take a final reading and ask what information they need from you. Alternatively, if one of your housemates is still at the property, they may be able to take a reading for you.
11. Close or update your bills and accounts
Energy isn't the only account to think about. Depending on what you've arranged during your tenancy, you might need to update or close:
- gas and electricity
- water
- broadband
- TV Licence
- contents insurance
- parking permits
- gym memberships
- food or delivery subscriptions
Check whether any of these have minimum contract periods or notice requirements before cancelling. If you're moving somewhere else, remember to update your address with organisations that need it. This could include your:
- bank
- University records
- Student Finance
- driving licence
- GP or dentist
- insurance providers
- online shopping accounts
It's also worth checking your electoral registration when you move. Update your electoral registration on GOV.UK.
12. Make sure everyone knows what they owe
If you've shared bills with housemates, try to settle everything before everyone disappears in different directions. Work out:
- which bills are still outstanding
- whether you're waiting for any final bills
- who has already paid what
- whether anyone owes another housemate money
- how any account credit or refund will be divided
Keep copies of bills and payment records until everything has been settled.
What if a housemate won't pay their share?
This can get complicated because responsibility to the supplier depends on whose name is on the account and what agreement you have with each other. Start by contacting the housemate in writing. Clearly explain:
- what the bill is for
- how you've worked out their share
- how much they owe
- when you'd like them to pay
Keep copies of the bill, messages and evidence of payments. If they still refuse to pay, you may need advice about recovering the money. In some circumstances, a money claim through the courts may be an option, but there can be costs and there's no guarantee you'll recover the money. GOV.UK explains how to make a court claim for money.
You can also speak to our Advice Team before deciding what to do.
13. Return all your keys, fobs and access devices
Check how your landlord or agent wants you to return your keys. That could include:
- front and back door keys
- bedroom keys
- window keys
- post-box keys
- garage or shed keys
- electronic fobs or access cards
Return everything by the agreed deadline and, where possible, get confirmation that they've been received. If you've lost a key, security device or fob, your landlord may be able to charge you the reasonable cost of replacing it where the tenancy agreement allows this. They should be able to evidence the cost.
Can my landlord charge me a check-out fee?
Your landlord or letting agent shouldn't charge you a separate fee simply for checking you out at the end of your tenancy. The Tenant Fees Act limits the payments landlords and agents can require from tenants.
If you're asked to pay a fee you're unsure about, don't assume you have to pay it just because you've been sent an invoice. Ask what the payment is for and talk to our Advice Team if you're not sure whether it's allowed. Read the current Tenant Fees Act guidance on GOV.UK.
How can the Guild help?
If something doesn't look right when you're moving out, ask us. We can help with questions about your tenancy, bills, fees, moving-out responsibilities and problems with your landlord or agent.
If the issue is specifically about getting your deposit back or challenging a deduction, check our deposit guide first – and get in touch if you still need support.
Complete our enquiry form or email advice@exeterguild.com for support.
